Tiny Frogs Contain Big Evolutionary Surprise

Tiny Frogs Contain Big Evolutionary Surprise

February 3, 2015 - Philippine limestone frogs live in cave-like areas on the country's islands. Since these frogs share nearly the same size, shape, color, and mating calls, researchers had assumed they were all the same species. Recent DNA testing has revealed that the frogs are actually more closely related to tree and ground frogs on their own islands than they are to each other. They evolved to be nearly identical through living in similar environments—an important new example of convergent evolution.

Tiny Frogs Contain Big Evolutionary Surprise

February 3, 2015 - Philippine limestone frogs live in cave-like areas on the country's islands. Since these frogs share nearly the same size, shape, color, and mating calls, researchers had assumed they were all the same species. Recent DNA testing has revealed that the frogs are actually more closely related to tree and ground frogs on their own islands than they are to each other. They evolved to be nearly identical through living in similar environments—an important new example of convergent evolution.